A-FLOW opens ML1 data centre to power PH digital boom

A-FLOW has opened its first data centre in the Philippines, launching the ML1 facility in Laguna as part of a planned 36MW campus that targets rising digital demand across Southeast Asia.

The project is a joint venture between AyalaLand Logistics Holdings and FLOW Digital Infrastructure. The partners aim to build three buildings on the site, with ML1 as the initial phase.

ML1 sits about 35km south of Metro Manila in Biñan, Laguna. The area is emerging as a data centre cluster and lies outside zones with higher geological and flood risk.

The first phase of ML1 provides 6MW of IT load. The full campus is planned to reach 36MW when all three buildings are complete.

A-FLOW positions the site as part of a wider Southeast Asian network. The company targets growth in cloud, artificial intelligence and low-latency digital services.

Speaking at the launch, A-FLOW President Sanjay Goel set out the company's regional ambitions.

"The launch of ML1 demonstrates our commitment to supporting digital transformation in the Philippines, establishing it as a hub that enhances the connectivity and management of data across Southeast Asia and beyond. Data Centres like ML1 are catalysts for digital innovation across businesses, giving the Philippines a competitive advantage on the global stage," said Sanjay Goel, President, A-FLOW.

Goel said collaboration among specialist partners had underpinned delivery of the facility. "The tremendous effort and teamwork involved are the true foundation of today's achievements," Goel added.

The facility is described as a greenfield build on a dedicated campus. The design allows expansions in line with customer demand.

ML1 is carrier neutral. It uses multiple points of entry for network routes and seeks to provide redundant paths for connectivity.

The building follows international design standards for data centres. The operators intend to provide continuous uptime, operational reliability and layered security.

The site targets a mix of customer types. These include colocation tenants, enterprise users and cloud service providers that require scalable space.

A local milestone

Local officials at the launch linked the project with economic development in Biñan and the wider Laguna province.

Biñan City Mayor Angelo Alonte said the facility marked a shift in the city's role in the digital economy. "Today marks a transformative moment for Biñan City. The launch of the first A-FLOW Data Centre is more than the unveiling of a state-of-the-art facility, it signals a new era for digital innovation and economic growth in the Philippines."

He said the investment reflected confidence in the city's workforce and planning. "Their confidence in our city reflects the strength of our communities, our workforce, and our vision for a future-ready Biñan," said Alonte.

Jerry Pelayo, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Laguna, pointed to the labour base in the region. "Laguna has a highly employed, diligent workforce. Our people are capable, and with the Governor's focus on key programs, we are ready for (a) major investment," said Pelayo.

Rising regional demand

Industry forecasts indicate strong growth in the data centre market across Southeast Asia and within the Philippines.

Boston Consulting Group projects that regional demand for data centre services will triple between 2023 and 2030. Research & Markets expects the Philippine data centre market to grow at a compound annual rate of 20.9 per cent from 2024 to 2030.

Analysts link this expansion with trends in internet usage, cloud services and business digitalisation. Operators are building new sites to handle data storage, processing and connectivity needs.

ML1 is one of several new data centres announced in the Philippines in recent years. The country seeks to position itself as a location for both domestic and regional workloads.

Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said the A-FLOW venture fits into this broader strategic push. "A-FLOW is a powerful partnership...Together, they are not just building, they are shaping an ecosystem that positions the Philippines to truly dominate in the global digital economy," said Roque.

Partners' background

AyalaLand Logistics Holdings is part of the Ayala group and focuses on industrial real estate. Its portfolio includes industrial parks, warehouses, cold storage facilities, data centres and commercial leasing in nine growth areas across the Philippines.

The company developed sites such as Laguna Technopark, Pampanga Technopark, Cavite Technopark, Batangas Technopark and Laguindingan Technopark in Misamis Oriental. It also operates ALogis standard factory buildings and Artico cold chain facilities across several provinces.

FLOW Digital Infrastructure invests in, develops and operates data centres across Asia Pacific. It is backed by PAG Real Assets, which manages investments in real estate and infrastructure, including existing data centre assets.

The A-FLOW partnership was first announced for Laguna in 2022. The ML1 launch marks the move from planning into live operations on the site.

As further phases of the campus come online, A-FLOW expects ML1 and its sister facilities to serve both Philippine and regional digital requirements.